Page 197 of Every Breath After

Dark.

I stare ahead, the entrance to the hedge maze seemingly growing taller and more daunting with each passing second.

“What are you doing?”

Blinking, I turn my head, but not fully, not enough to actually see him.

Footsteps draw near, coming up behind me.

A hand grips my shoulder, whirling me around, and I jump back.

Mason’s eyes widen on mine, darting all over my face. “Jeremy?”

He said my name.

Touched me.

I’m still here.

“Jeremy, what the hell are you doing out here?” His brow is furrowed deeply. His gaze drifts just past me, and his throat bobs. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Shadows cling to the skin just under his eyes, and I wonder if I look as ragged as he does. I imagine it’s been even longer for me since I slept, seeing as I waited until morning to call him. And the only reason I did, was because they found that broken heel, and I knew…

I knew…

“Come on,” he mutters, and goes to turn away.

“They gave up.”

At my words, he pauses, straightening.

“She could still be in here. Hurt.”

“Jer…the dogs…” He turns to face me, eyes creased. He shakes his head, looking all around me. “She’s not in there.”

His words have a searing pain shooting through my chest. “She is!” I shout before I can stop myself.

His eyes widen as he rears back.

I didn’t even realize I took a lunging step forward.

Seething through my teeth, all I can do is stare at him. “She is.”

Slowly, he nods. “You…you feel her.” Not a question.

Everything in me stills.

He rushes forward suddenly, stopping mere inches away from me, gaze darting wildly over my face. His desperation is a living, breathing thing when he asks me, “Do you feel her?”

My lashes flutter, and I start shaking my head. “I-I don’t…I don’t know.”

Fierce determination solidifies his features, and he nods strongly. “Let’s go.”

“What?”

He storms past me, entering the mouth of the maze.

“Mason…”

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